Historic Reynolds Tavern sold for $4.1M
Annapolis couple plan to preserve its ‘centuries-old charm and significance’
Reynolds Tavern, a historic pub and bed and breakfast in downtown Annapolis, has been sold to an Annapolis couple for $4.1 million.
The property was sold to Diane and Dave Rey, who intend to maintain normal operations and preserve “its centuries-old charm and significance,” according to a news release from Hyatt
Commercial, an Annapolis-based brokerage firm.
The historic property on Church Circle, which includes a pub, restaurant and a bed and breakfast, was listed for $4.775 million in September by Hyatt Commercial.
The tavern was built in 1747 by local hat maker William Reynolds at 7 Church Circle. The property was previously known as “The Beaver and Lac’d
Hat,” serving as the meeting place for farmers, gentlemen, merchants and soldiers, according to the tavern’s website. It has served as a boarding house, a bank and a public library. At one point it also shared an address with the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court next door before they became separate addresses in 2014.
Diane Rey should be well-known by Annapolis residents. For many years, she has reenacted as Anne Catharine Green, the printer to the Province of Maryland and publisher of the Maryland Gazette from 1767 to 1775, according to the news release. Rey is also a writer herself and previously was a correspondent for The Capital.
Rey has also been involved in renovating a 100-yearold former summer house on the Delaware shore as a rental for family gatherings and group retreats.
The building, known for its Georgian architecture, was transferred to the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in 1974, its website states. The tavern was sold to Jill and Andrew Petit in the early 2000s. Their mission was to return the tavern to its colonial roots.
After purchasing the fourstory property for $825,000, the Petits spent about $300,000 on renovations, The Baltimore Sun reported at the time. The couple set out to preserve the historic nature of the building.
While the tavern itself is under new ownership, Wes and Marilyn Burge will continue current operations, the news release said. The Burge couple has been leasing the businesses on the historic property since 2003 and plans to continue to lease and operate the building from the new proprietors, the news release added.
“We share in the new owner’s excitement in purchasing Reynolds Tavern and appreciate their support and collaboration in our continued service to the community,” the Burges said in a statement.